Speaker
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Chris GuentherMusician
Born and raised in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Chris Guenther grew up on a family farm near Winston Creek, an outlying area near the town of Mossyrock, in Southwest Washington. His experiences raising and marketing livestock through 4-H and FFA youth programs afforded him his first performances, often packing his guitar to local livestock shows, county fairs, meeting and serenading other exhibitors and the public. In his teens he formed his first band and began playing dancehalls, local club venues, old time fiddle festivals and an occasional cowboy gathering. These early experiences helped Chris develop his fiddle and guitar skills and establish his abilities as a songwriter
His passion for agriculture led him to Washington State University, where he attained a teaching degree History and Agriculture Education. Soon, he landed his first job as an agriculture teacher, instructing students on animal husbandry, farm & ranch management, and livestock evaluation. A teacher’s schedule has allowed him to continue his musical pursuits, performing at night and touring in the summer months for supplemental income. In the past twenty years, Chris has written and recorded eight albums including original country and western songs. He has supported his with tours throughout the western United States, continually developing his authentic blend of Americana music.